Dear Coronavirus,

I admit. At first, I thought you were merely the "flu." Just novel, just overstated. But, you are stronger than I and the world could have ever imagined. You have wreaked havoc all around the world, and have driven the nations to insanity. You have killed over half a million innocent people, and have endangered tens of millions.

I admit. There was a time when I feared you. You began to control my life. Every news report I watched, every thought I conceived, every action I took - was related to you. You have gone from a "thing" I thought was sensationalized, to an illness that left me feeling empty, tearful, and irate. Every nerve in my body feels exposed when I think of all you have done. All you have taken. Yet, do not be mistaken, I have moved past this foolishness.

I admit. It has taken until this very day for me to realize you are nothing to be feared. For, I will never fear a season. As the snowfall in December and the color of leaves in September, you are ever-changing. Your unpredictability is irksome and causes an uproar. Yet, I will not fear you. If I feared every change in my life, the accomplishments I prize would dwindle like the sand in an hourglass.

I admit. I have decided, at this moment, you will not defeat me. The reason for your coming, I do not know. But, I am here because of mercy. I am here because I have not allowed the rumors and the ways of the world to alarm me. With every person that feels their "freedom" is taken away because of a mask, I remember that we are in an era where there is someone that will take a knee. Even when I feel society has decided to step into the wrong ring, I know I will still be the champion. For, I showed up and poured out the blessings and grace that overflows me.

I admit. I now realize you cannot defeat a child you never knew. You can continue your reign, but I will not fear when I walk through your valley. I am protected. I wear my mask, my gloves, and hold my head high. But, I know in my heart that my true weapon lays not in the gear I don, but in the promise I hold deeply in my heart. My weeping endured for the night, but the morning has come and like the sun's rays, I too will shine.